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RoamAbout Client Utility: Managing Access Points & Performing Site Surveys

Learn how to use the RoamAbout Client Utility to manage access points, perform site surveys, and ensure proper client operation in a wireless network.

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RoamAbout Client Utility: Managing Access Points & Performing Site Surveys

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  1. RoamAbout Operation Using the Client Utility Managing AccessPoint Building to Building Operations Performing a Site Survey

  2. Using the Client Utility • The RoamAbout Client Utility is used by the end station to: • Determine which AccessPoint they are utilizing in the wireless network • Determine CQ to the AccessPoint by performing a constant link test • Verify proper client operation • Perform a site survey

  3. Once the RoamAbout Client Utility is opened it will immediately indicate whether or not there is an active connection with a wireless network The wireless network name will also be indicated Click the More button to access the other features of the utility Using the Client Utility

  4. Using the Client Utility • In the Status/Functions window, you can obtain connection information Network connection status

  5. Using the Client Utility • In the Status/Functions window basic connection information can be obtained What impact the status has on operations

  6. Using the Client Utility • In the Status/Functions window basic connection information can be obtained Current Signal Quality information

  7. Performing a Link Test • To perform the Link Test press the Link Test Button

  8. The link Test window gives you, the user, detailed signal quality information about the user and a test partner In this case the test partner is the AccessPoint In Ad-Hoc mode the test partner will be another station Performing a Link Test

  9. Using the test history feature you can view link test information over a period of time Type of display is configurable Time of sample viewed is also configurable Link Test is the tool of choice for performing a site survey Performing a Link Test

  10. Managing the AccessPoint • The AccessPoint can easily be managed by: • Using a VT100 terminal session with any terminal emulation software • Using an SNMP management application such as • ClearVsn • AccessPoint Manager (which will be discussed in detail in this presentation)

  11. Managing the AccessPoint • It is important to understand that the AccessPoint is a layer 2 bridge that work’s fine “out of the box” • There are a few parameters that may need to be configured such as • IP address • Wireless Network Name • Security (WEP) • LAN to LAN operations • With the possible exception of these parameters; all the other configurations should work fine at the factory defaults

  12. Managing the AccessPoint Using Local Management • Local Management is established by connecting the COM port on the PC with the COM port on the AccessPoint • Once connected, configure a VT100 terminal session with a 9600 Baud rate for the COM port • The first menu item should come up now. If not check your configuration and try again

  13. Local Management Installation Menu

  14. Managing the AccessPoint Using Local Management • As you can see, the Local Management interface is a menu driven interface that is fairly intuitive. • Item 9 Module-Specific Options will be your most useful selection

  15. Local Management Module-Specific Options

  16. Managing the AccessPoint Using Local Management • To see the wireless network configuration you can select the Show Wireless Network Configuration menu item

  17. Local Management Show Wireless Network Configuration

  18. Managing the AccessPoint Using Local Management • It should be obvious now that you can easily use local management to configure the wireless network. • You should also know that in order to use SNMP an IP address must already be configured using local management!!!

  19. Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP) • AccessPoint Manager is a management platform that is designed to be used with the RoamAbout AccessPoint. • Once the IP address is assigned in local management, the AccessPoint Manager is an easy way to configure the AccessPoint • AccessPoint Manager uses a GUI so that the configuration is easy and quick

  20. Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP) To add an AccessPoint to be managed just click the applicable button

  21. Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP) This Utility will allow you to load an IP via the use of BootP

  22. Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP) Just add the appropriate IP address for the AccessPoint to be managed If you set an SNMP community string, you will need to enter this here

  23. In the Identification window just input information that you would use to identify one AccessPoint from another Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP)

  24. Managing the AccessPoint Using the AccessPoint Manager (SNMP) Note: The AccessPoint is now in the AccessPoint managed list

  25. Reconfiguring the AccessPoint • It is important to note that while using the AccessPoint manager any changes that you make to the configuration of the AccessPoint will NOT go into effect until the AccessPoint is reset. • You can reset the AccessPoint via management. To do so, use the Reset/ Reload button on the main window.

  26. Click buttons to view sub menus

  27. Using the AccessPoint for LAN to LAN operations • LAN to LAN mode is when the user wants to span a distance with a wireless bridge • The wireless link is a dedicated bridge link. It is NOT used for workgroup communication • This works with either • Directional antennas: for long distance line of sight connections • Range extending Antennas: Designed for relatively long distance in building connections • Wireless Adapters without any external antenna: Used for short in building connections

  28. Configuring LAN to LAN Operation • In order to set up a LAN to LAN connection, you must first perform a site survey to determine what equipment will be required • Once the equipment is installed, each AccessPoint must be configured as follows: • Operate in LAN to LAN mode and • Operate on the same Channel as the other AccessPointand • Configure the other AccessPoint’s wireless MAC address in management in order to make the connection

  29. Configuring the LAN to LAN Mode Select the Wireless Parameters button

  30. Configuring the LAN to LAN Mode Ensure both AccessPoints are on the same channel- in this case channel 3

  31. Configuring the LAN to LAN Mode Using the pull down menu, select the LAN to LAN Bridge Mode

  32. Configuring the LAN to LAN Mode Enter the Wireless MAC of the other AccessPoint at the other end of the connection

  33. Configuring the LAN to LAN Mode Once the AccessPoint is configured, reset the AccessPoint for the settings to take effect

  34. Site Survey • A Site Survey is performed to verify proper AccessPoint placement within the wireless network • Why perform a site survey? • To determine actual coverage area • To determine number of AccessPoints needed to adequately cover the desired area • To determine location of AccessPoints within the facility

  35. Preparation for a Site Survey • Prior to performing a site survey, it is crucial that you have some information about the facility in which the wireless network will be installed • Detailed drawings on the facility • Locations of existing network connections • Locations of possible interference sources • From this information make an approximation as to where the AccessPoints will need to be installed to provide the desired coverage

  36. Performing a Site Survey • Once the plan is made, install test AccessPoints in the desired locations and verify the coverage area by: • Using a laptop, slowly survey the coverage area and verify operation using the link test feature of the client manager • Adjustment of AccessPoint locations may be required to achieve the desired coverage.

  37. Actual Versus Ideal Coverage Area • Barriers and interference sources will cause the coverage areas to be something other than symmetric zones Ideal coverage area AccessPoint Actual coverage area

  38. Performing a Site Survey • Things to keep in mind while performing a site survey • Proper overlapping channel separation of five channels is required to minimize cross channel interference • The coverage area is three dimensional, and possible interference sources may be from other floors within the facility • Connection speeds at the various locations of within the desired specifications

  39. Performing a Site SurveyBuilding to Building considerations • Determining what is line of sight in order to use the directional antenna • Line of sight is actually comprised of two parts • Visual line of sight and • An additional area called the Fresnel Zone • Both MUSTbe clear and free of obstructions for the directional antenna to be used

  40. Line of SightDirect • In this example there is an obstruction in the direct line of sight • This obstruction could in reality be anything such as: • Trees which may only pose a problem in the summer when there are leaves on them • Other buildings

  41. Line of SightIndirect • In this example there is an obstruction in the indirect line of sight called the fresnel zone • In this case the connection may not work and is undesirable • For specifications concerning the size of the fresnel zone consult the installation guide for the antenna used

  42. Line of SightPreferred • In this example there are no obstructions in either the direct line of sight or the fresnel zone • As long as this area remains clear and the antennas are within the specified distance from each other, a valid connection should be made

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